Index >> Water Pollution Microbiology >>Biofilm

Biofilm - Biofilm formation, or more specifically microbial film formation, is caused by adhesion of bacteria to surfaces. The film consists of an accumulation of cells, extracellular products and inorganic and organic debris.
Within a water distribution system, the biofilm acts as an inoculum for the rest of the piping system.
Another important consequence of biofilm is that it provides a protective environment for many microorganisms, including pathogens, from disinfection and cleaning techniques.

Pigmented bacteria also appear to be an important microbial community in the biofilm of water distribution systems.
The major genus of pigmented bacteria is Flavobacterium.
Other genera include those with pigmented species such as Serratia, Corynebacterium, Micro­bacterium and Chromobacterium.
Biofilm formation also present serious problems of hygiene, odor and taste in distribution systems. Waterborne pathogenic and opportunistically pathogenic bacteria include species of Pseudomonas, Campylobacter, Clostridium, Flavobacterium and Legionella.